Central vacuum cleaning system control subsytems

ABSTRACT

A central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning system having a motor includes a central vacuum unit control module with a receiver for wirelessly receiving command signals, and a power stage for controlling the motor in accordance with command signals received through the receiver. The control module is stable in high ambient temperature. Current flowing to the motor is sensed, and motor overcurrent and undercurrent conditions are determined. The control module determines when the motor is in an overcurrent condition. Power stage has a triac for controlling power to the motor. The control module also has a microprocessor that compares the current sensed against a normal operating current to determine overcurrent condition. Power to motor ceases when overcurrent condition exists. A generator is powered by air flow in a cleaning system for production of electrical energy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/843,321 filed 12 May 2004 under title CentralVacuum Cleaning System Motor Control Mounting Post, MountingConfiguration, and Mounting Methods, and claims priority from, and thebenefit of, the filing date of the above application. The contents ofthe above application is hereby incorporated by reference into theDetailed Description hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to central vacuum cleaning systems. Moreparticularly, it relates to control subsystems for central vacuumcleaning systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many modem buildings have central vacuum cleaning systems. These systemshave a suction motor to create a vacuum in a series of pipes through thebuilding. A user of the system connects a flexible hose to one of thepipes. The hose has a handle for the operator to grasp. The handle isfurther connected to one or more cleaning accessories.

The motor is housed in a motor housing that typically forms part of acentral vacuum unit, often referred to as a “canister”. The canisteralso has a receptacle portion for receiving dust and other particlespicked up through the cleaning accessories and transported by the vacuumthrough the hose and pipes.

The canister is usually placed in a central location that is easilyaccessible for emptying the receptacle. The motor is typically poweredby line voltage that is controlled by a motor control circuit in themotor housing.

Low voltage wires typically run beside, or form part of, the pipes andhose between the canister and the handle. This permits the operator tocontrol the motor by sending low voltage signals from the handle to themotor control circuit. In order to receive the low voltage signals, anopening is provided in the motor housing through which the low voltagewires can be connected to the motor control circuit.

Installation of the low voltage wires can involve a great deal ofeffort, particularly when the system is being installed in an existingbuilding. It is known to use a hand held radio frequency remote controlto control a central vacuum unit. It is known to transmit controlsignals through existing power lines in a building. Add-on remotecontrol units for turning on and off a central vacuum unit are alsoknown.

Improvements to, or alternatives for, existing central vacuum cleaningsystems and central vacuum cleaning system control subsystems aredesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the invention provides device for controlling acentral vacuum cleaning system suction motor. The device has a sensorfor sensing at least one operating condition of the motor, such at leastone operating condition including the motor current. It also has acomparator for comparing each sensed operating condition to acorresponding normal operating condition for that sensed operatingcondition of the motor, and for determining when the motor is operatingsignificantly outside at least one normal operating condition for themotor for a given period of time. It also has a performer for, when itis determined that the motor current is operating significantly outsidethe normal operating condition for the motor current, performing atleast one action.

In a second aspect the invention provides a central vacuum cleaningsystem control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning systemhaving a motor. The control subsystem includes a central vacuum unitcontrol module. The module has a receiver for wirelessly receivingcommand signals, and a power stage for controlling power to the motor.The power stage controls power to the motor in accordance with commandsignals it receives through the receiver. The control module does notcontain overcurrent protection for components in the control module,where such overcurrent protection is triggered in part by high ambienttemperature.

In a third aspect the invention provides a central vacuum cleaningsystem control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning systemhaving a motor. The control subsystem includes a central vacuum unitcontrol module. The module has a receiver for wirelessly receivingcommand signals, and a power stage for controlling power to the motor.The power stage controls power to the motor in accordance with commandsignals it receives through the receiver. The control module sensescurrent flowing to the motor, and determines when the motor is in anundercurrent condition.

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a central vacuum cleaningsystem control subsystem for use in a central vacuum cleaning systemhaving a motor. The control subsystem includes a central vacuum unitcontrol module. The module has a receiver for wirelessly receivingcommand signals, a power stage for controlling power to the motor, and acurrent sensor for sensing current flowing to the motor. The power stagecontrols power to the motor in accordance with command signals itreceives through the receiver. The control module determines when themotor is in an overcurrent condition.

The power stage may also have a triac for controlling power to themotor. The control module may also have a microprocessor that comparesthe current sensed by the current sensor and a normal operating currentto determine when an overcurrent condition exists. The control modulemay cease to provide power to the motor when the control moduledetermines that an overcurrent condition exists.

In a further aspect the invention provides a device in a vacuum cleaningsystem. The device has an impeller, and a generator. The impeller islocated such that air moving though the cleaning system during usecauses the impeller to turn. Turning of the impeller causes thegenerator to generate electrical energy.

The device may be located in a hose handle of the vacuum cleaning systemwith the impeller located such that vacuum air moving through the hosehandle during use causes the impeller to turn. The device may have animpeller air path in the handle. The impeller air path may open from avacuum air path of vacuum air for picking up dust and other particles toa source of ambient air. The impeller would be located in the impellerair path.

The vacuum cleaning system may be a central vacuum cleaning system. Theimpeller may be located such that air moving through a central vacuumsource of the central vacuum cleaning system during use causes theimpeller to turn. The impeller may be located in an exhaust air path ofthe vacuum source. The exhaust air path may be external to a canisterthat houses the vacuum source.

The electrical energy may be used to charge a battery.

In other aspects the invention provides methods of carrying out,components for, and systems using the other aspects of the invention asdescribed above, and still further aspects based on the detaileddescription herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show moreclearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,by way of example, to the accompanying drawings that show the preferredembodiment of the present invention and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a central vacuum cleaning systemcontrol subsystem in accordance with the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a central vacuum cleaning system hose handlefor use with the subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate central vacuum cleaning systemhose handle for use with the subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the handle of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a power stage for use in the subsystemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternate power stage for use in thesubsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a central transmitter submodule for use inthe subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a central receive submodule for use in thesubsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a central transceiver submodule for use inthe subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a central timer submodule for use in thesubsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a central operating condition submodulefor use in the subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a central operating condition sensors foruse in the central operating condition submodule of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a remote transceiver submodule for use inthe subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a detailed block diagram of a central control submodule foruse in the subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-section of a building incorporating a centralvacuum cleaning system using an embodiment of the subsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a cut-away perspective view of a vacuum source for use in thecleaning system of FIG. 15 incorporating an embodiment of the subsystemof FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-section of a hose handle utilizing a battery chargingdevice in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cut-away partial perspective view of an alternate vacuumsource for use in the cleaning system of FIG. 15 incorporating anembodiment of the subsystem of FIG. 15, including an air poweredgenerator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cut-away partial perspective view of an alternate vacuumsource for use in the cleaning system of FIG. 15 incorporating anembodiment of the subsystem of FIG. 15, including an air poweredgenerator in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective of a portion of a building incorporating remotestation in accordance with an accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a central vacuum cleaning system control subsystem1 has a central control module 3 and a remote control module 5.

The central control module 3 controls power from a power source 7 to amotor 9, and by doing so the central control module 3 controls theoperation of the motor 9. The power source 7 is typically line voltage,for example, 120V or 240V, 60 Hz AC in North America or 230V, 50 Hz ACin Europe.

The remote control module 5 is connected to a user input/outputinterface 13. The remote control module 5 receives input from a user 11through the interface 13. User input may be as simple as a request for achange of state of the motor 9 where the interface 13 would be a toggleswitch 13.

The remote control module 5 is a wireless transmitter. It encodes theinput received from the user for wireless transmission to the centralcontrol module 3 as indicated by the arcs 15. The central control module3 is a wireless receiver. It receives the wireless transmission from theremote control module 5, decodes it and controls the motor 9accordingly. For example, if the user requests the motor 9 to changestate then if the central control module 3 is providing power from thesource 7 to the motor 9 then the central control module 3 will ceasedoing so. If the central control module 3 is not providing power fromthe source 7 to the motor 9 then it will provide power.

The central control module 3 is also a wireless transmitter. The centralcontrol module 3 senses the operating condition of the motor 9, encodesa message related to the condition and wirelessly transmits the messageto the remote control module 5 as indicated by the arcs 17. The messageis received by the remote control module 5, decoded, and provided to theuser through the interface 13.

Referring to FIG. 2, a hose handle 20 incorporates the interface 13 as adisplay means 21 and switch 23. A toggle switch 23 is shown in theFIGS.; however, various types of switches, such as for example amomentary switch, not shown, could be used. The display means 21 maytake the form of one or more lights, such as LEDs and/or an LCD screenwith icons. Alternatively, or in addition, the display means may have aspeaker or buzzer to provide sound output to the user by way of voice oran alarm. A transducer may be used to create sounds. This providesbi-directional communication between the central control module 3 andthe remote control module 5, and thereby provides bidirectionalcommunication between the user 11 and the motor 9 as will be discussedfurther herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the central control module 3 is able toprovide more complex control of the motor 9 beyond simply turning it onand off. For example, the central control module 3 may be able to adjustthe speed at which the motor 9 operates. There are many differenttechniques for adjusting motor 9 speed, some of which are dependent onthe type of motor 9.

For example, existing central vacuum cleaning systems typically use auniversal motor 9. The speed of a universal motor 9 can be controlled byreducing the voltage applied to the motor 9. DC motors 9 have also beendescribed for use as vacuum motors 9, see for example, co-pending PCTPatent Application No. PCT/CA03/00382 filed 12 Mar. 2003, published 18Sep. 2003 as WO03075733A1, and claiming the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/363,351 filed 12 Mar. 2002. The content of theabove applications is hereby incorporated by reference into the DetailedDescription hereof. The speed of a DC motor 9 can be adjusted byadjusting the voltage for a series wound motor 9, or by controlling theexcitation on the armature of a shunt wound motor 9.

Where the central control module 3 has the ability to control motor 9speed then it may be desirable to provide for a “soft start”. This canbe done by starting the motor 9 at a slower desired speed and working upto a higher speed. This can increase the longevity of the motor 9,particularly for universal motors 9 where starting can result in a highinrush current that has a cumulative detrimental effect on motor 9windings over time. Soft start control can be configured as an internalsetting of the central control module 3 without requiring external userinput.

The user 11 can be permitted to adjust the speed of the motor 9 ondemand by requesting such an adjustment through the user input/outputinterface 13. This can be done by providing additional user inputs atthe interface 13, for example more switches 25, 27, or it may be moreeffectively done by interpreting the signals from the user 11 through alesser number of inputs, for example switch 23 only. For example, theswitch 23 can be actuated to signal a particular request. A series ofswitch 23 actuations may signal a request for a decrease motor 9 speedanother series of switch 23 actuations may signal a request for anincrease in motor 9 speed. Another signal would indicate on and anotheroff.

An easier interface 13 for the user 11 would include two switches 23,25. Repeated actuation of one switch 23 signals a request for anincrease in speed, while repeated actuation of the other switch 25signals a request for a decrease in speed. A single actuation of oneswitch 23 could indicate a request to turn the motor 9 on, while asingle actuation of the other switch 25 could indicate a request to turnthe motor 9 off. For example, each request for a decrease in speed couldresult in a 10% reduction to a maximum of a 50% reduction. Rather thanincrementally increasing speed, the user could be required to requestthe motor 9 to be turned off and then on through the interface 13. Thiscould reset the speed to 100%.

More switches or input devices, not shown, could be added as desired.Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an alternative interface 13 might be a touchscreen 30 that could incorporate both a display and input device. Thetouch screen could display various icons or text representing messagesfrom the central control module 3 regarding the operating condition ofthe motor 9. Icons or text could also be provided to allow the user 11to send messages to the central control module 3 by touching the iconsor text.

Many power stages can be used to decrease (and to increase) the voltageto the motor 9. Referring to FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of a powerstage 38 (shown in dashed lines) is to use a solid-state controller,such as a triac 40. A triac 40 can be easily controlled using othersolid-state components such as, for example, a microprocessor or amicrocontroller, not shown in FIG. 5, but an example will be laterdescribed. The triac 40 can be driven by a gate signal 42 (for example,from the microprocessor or microcontroller) that is phase shifteddepending on the effective voltage desired. This is known as aphase-angle drive. At a minimum it requires only a gate driving signal42 and a single additional component: the triac 40.

In this description the term “solid-state” will be used to describecomponents that have no moving parts. Solid-state components can beintegrated circuits, such as microprocessor, or discrete components suchas a single capacitor or resistor.

Referring to FIG. 6, a more complex power stage 50 (shown in dashedlines) may be used to control the voltage from voltage source inputs 52seen by the motor 9 using, for example, an input rectifier 54, a powerswitch (transistor) 56 and a diode 58. This uses a Pulse WidthModulation gate drive signal 59 to adjust the effective voltage seen bythe motor 9 to be varied. This is known as a chopper drive. It is stilla solid-state device without mechanical components, such as thosemechanical components that are used in some relays and circuit breakersthat are typically found in existing central vacuum units.

The central control module 3 also has a number of submodules thatoperate based on a variety of sensed conditions. Referring to FIG. 7,central transmit submodule 60 has a transmit (Tx) subcontrol 61, awireless transmitter 62 and an antenna 64. The Tx subcontrol 61 encodesmessages to be transmitted wirelessly by transmitter 62 through theantenna 64.

Referring to FIG. 8, a central receive submodule 66 has a receiver (Rx)subcontrol 67, wireless receiver 68 and an antenna 70. The Rx subcontrol67 decodes messages received by the receiver 68 through the antenna 70.The antenna 64 and 70 may be one in the same component if desired, anddesigned for, by the designer in a manner that would be evident to thoseskilled in the art. If the

Referring to FIG. 9, the central transmit submodule 60 and centralreceive submodule 66 may be replaced by a central transceiver submodule72 having a transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) subcontrol 74, a transceiver 76 andan antenna 78. The submodule 72 encodes and decodes, transmits andreceives messages through antenna 78 in a manner similar to the centraltransmit submodule 60 and the central receive submodule 66, combined.

The wireless transceiver 76 combines a transmitter and receiver in asingle component. Among other benefits, the use of an integratedtransceiver 76 can reduce complexity, power consumption and size. Also,transceiver for unlicensed short distance communication typicallyutilize higher frequencies for less interference and more effectivecommunication.

This description will be made primarily with reference to a centraltransceiver submodule, such as submodule 72. It is to be understood thatdiscrete transmit submodules, such as submodule 60, and discrete receivesubmodules, such as submodule 66, could be used as necessary for aparticular application, if desired.

Referring to FIG. 10, the central control module 3 has a timer submodule80 with a timer 82, a timer subcontrol 84 and a power stage 86. Thetimer 82 commences timing on the instruction of the subcontrol 84 whenthe power stage 86 powers on the motor 9. If the timer 82 times morethan a predetermined amount of time then the timer subcontrol 84instructs the power stage 86 to stop providing power to the motor 9. Forexample, if the motor 9 has been running for 30 minutes then the timersubmodule 80 shuts off the motor 9. This safeguards against inadvertentoperation of the motor 9. If a user 11 wishes to continue use then theuser 11 simply activates the motor 9 through the interface 13, and thetimer submodule 80 starts timing again.

The timer submodule 80 is also connected to the central transceiversubmodule 72 for transmission of messages to the remote control module5.

Referring to FIG. 11, the central control module 3 has an operatingcondition submodule 90 with one or more operating condition sensors 92,an operating condition subcontrol 94 and a power stage 96. The operatingcondition 92 senses various operating conditions of the motor 9 underthe control of the operating condition subcontrol 94. According to thesensed operating conditions, the operating condition subcontrol 94controls the power stage 96 by, for example, providing gate drivesignals. The operating condition submodule 90 is also connected to thecentral transceiver submodule 72 for transmission of messages to theremote control module 5.

Thus, the central control module 3 senses an operating condition of themotor 9, compares it to a normal operating condition of the motor 9(examples of which will be described), determines if the motor 9 isoperating significantly outside a normal operating condition, andperforms an action if the motor 9 is operating outside the normaloperating condition. Examples of various sensors will be describedherein; also, an example microprocessor embodiment for comparing,determining and performing will be described. An example of a performerfor performing an action is the subcontrol 94 described above thatcontrols the power stage 96 after determination. In this case, thesubcontrol 94 carries out the comparison and determination, and performsthe action. Other example performances of actions will be describedherein.

Referring to FIG. 12, one of the operating condition sensors 92 may be acurrent sensor 98 for sensing the motor 9 operating current. If there isan overcurrent condition then the central control module 3 willdisconnect power from the motor 9 by having the operating conditionsubcontrol 94 instruct the power stage to stop providing power 96 to themotor 9. Overcurrent might be determined by a current that is more thana given amount above the normal operating current of the motor 9. In thepreferred embodiment an overcurrent condition is a current of more than100% above (twice) the normal operating current where such current ispresent for over 3 seconds. Such a condition is indicative of somethingjammed in an impeller or other suction creating device, not shown,attached to the motor 9, and the motor 9 is working to overcome theobstruction. The actual thresholds used will depend on the particularspecifications for the motor 9 used in any particular application. Afteran overcurrent condition occurs, it is best to require disconnection ofa source of power from the central control module 3 before the motor 9can be restarted. This is a safety feature. An overcurrent condition canrequire maintenance. If it occurs repeatedly then the user will likelymake a call for service rather than repeatedly disconnect and re-connectthe power source.

Referring to FIG. 11, in order to provide specifications on which athreshold can be based the central control module 3 can have anon-volatile memory 102 in which the specifications can be stored. Thespecifications can be sensed during normal operating condition of themotor 9 and stored. Such condition may be represented by the currentdrawn by the motor 9. This can easily be sensed by the operatingcondition sensor 92 under control of the operating condition subcontrol94.

The normal operating condition of the motor 9 could also be inputdirectly by the user 11 at the interface 13 and transmitted from theremote control module 5 for reception at the transceiver 72, decoding bythe transceiver subcontrol 74 and storage in memory 102. The memory 102is a rewriteable device such as, for example, an EEPROM, EPROM or flashmemory device. Alternatively, the normal operating condition can bepre-configured in memory 102 by an installer, or at the time ofmanufacture. If the normal operating conditions are input at the time ofmanufacture or installation then a write once memory device, such as aPROM, could be used, if desired.

As the central control module 3 may be used with many different motors9, and the design specifications and operating environment of each motor9 may change from time, it is preferable simply to allow the centralcontrol module 3 to sense automatically (i.e. without requiring data tobe input by a user 11, manufacturer or installer) the normal operatingcondition when the central control module 3 is installed.

The central control module 3 will need to be configured to ignore anyinrush current each time the motor 9 is turned on if the inrush currentwould exceed the threshold amount and duration. A soft-startconfiguration as described previously can be used to reduce inrushcurrent. The soft start can be implemented through motor 9 controlusing, for example, one of the power stages 38, 50.

The current sensor 98 may be a current sensing transformer, currentsensing resistor or other similar or alternative device in line with, orintegrated into, the power stage (for example, 38, 50) or elsewhere inthe central control module 3.

The central control module 3 operating condition submodule 90 can alsosense an undercurrent condition of the motor 9. This typically signifiesa blockage in an air inlet to the motor 9. Such a blockage stops airflow, resulting in free spinning of the motor 9 and a reduction in loadon the motor 9. If this condition persists for longer than apredetermined period then the central control module 3 can automaticallydisconnect power to the motor 9. Also or alternatively, notice could beprovided to the user 11. As an example, the predetermined period couldbe set for approximately 15 minutes. The period should be long enough toallow the user to remove typical blockages, while not so long as tocontinue operation on an ongoing basis in an underperforming condition.

Referring again to FIG. 12, the operating condition sensors 92 may alsoinclude a temperature sensor 104 that monitors the temperature aroundthe motor 9. An over temperature condition can be detected in comparisonto normal operating temperature stored in memory 102. The centralcontrol module 3 under control of the operating condition submodule 90ceases to provide power to the motor 9 when an over temperaturecondition occurs. To again use the motor 9, a source of power to thevacuum source 205 of FIGS. 15 and 16 must be disconnected (for exampleby unplugging the power to the vacuum source 205) from the centralcontrol module 3 by the user 1, and reconnected. Additionally, theovertemperature condition must have cleared. Again, this is a safetyfeature. Repeated overtemperature conditions may indicate thatmaintenance is required.

The memory 102 may also store the normal operating temperature (or otherrepresentation on which a threshold may be based) input, for example, inthe manner described for the normal operating current, except possiblyusing the temperature sensor 104 to sense normal operating temperature.

An accelerometer or other vibration or motion sensor 106 can beincorporated into the central control module 3 to sense for vibration.Unusual ongoing vibrations can be an indication that the balance of themotor 9 is off, and the motor 9 may be starting to fail. The normal andcurrent conditions can be sensed with the normal condition being storedin memory 102 for future comparison.

The central control module 3 can be used in association with anautodialer to provide information about the cleaning system to a remotelocation through telephone lines. Contact could be made as a result of asensed condition or the passage of time. The central control module 3could also receive a remote call for diagnostic purposes. Referring toFIG. 13, remote control module 5 incorporates a remote transceiversubmodule 110 similar to that of the central transceiver submodule 72,including a remote transceiver 112, remote transceiver subcontrol 114,and antenna 116. The operation of the remote transceiver submodule 110and central transceiver submodule 72 are similar and will not berepeated. It is to be noted that the functions of the remote transceiversubmodule 110 could be replace by a separate transmitter submoduleand/or receiver submodule, not shown.

In the preferred embodiment, the transceiver submodules 72, 110 ofcentral control module 3 and remote control module 5, respectively, arematched for transmission and reception of signals over a distance ofapproximately 150 ft. through typical residential obstacles and buildingmaterials. The design distance is a matter of choice, governed byapplicable legal requirements such as might apply to signal strength andfrequency. A digitally modulated radio frequency (r.f.) carrier of433.92 MHz is suitable as it meets current North American and Europeanrequirements for r.f. control systems.

Alternatively, r.f. transmissions can operate in spread-spectrum mode.This could include frequency hopping spread spectrum or direct-sequencespread spectrum (DSS). These techniques enable operation at higher r.f.power levels than single frequency operation by distributing the powerover a number of different frequency channels. In this case, the carrierfrequency could be in the 850-950 MHz or 2.4 GHz bands to comply withlegal requirements in North America and Europe. In this case, design fora minimum distance of approximately 300 ft. between central controlmodule 3 and remote control module 5 is preferred.

Other r.f. transmission techniques and frequencies could be used asdesired for particular applications.

A microprocessor can be used as the transceiver subcontrol 114 in theremote control module 5 to provide the digital encoding of r.f. carrierwith message data, and to decode messages received from the centralcontrol module 3. Other devices such as a microcontroller or discretecomponents could be used to perform these functions.

Wireless communication provides a significant advantage. Wired lowvoltage signals require a step down transformer from line voltage to lowvoltage, such as a class II safety transformer. In order to meetregulatory requirements a circuit breaker is typically used to limit theoutput current of the transformer. The circuit breaker uses a bimetallicstrip to sense an overcurrent condition for the transformer that isapproaching a dangerous level. The bimetallic strip is sensitive toambient temperature and results in nuisance tripping of the circuitbreaker when operated in high ambient temperatures. Wirelesscommunication obviates the need for low voltage signals and the class IItransformer for that purpose.

The central control module 3 can be powered using a drop down resistoror capacitor from the power source 9. A non-class II transformer can beused in the event that larger power is required as wirelesscommunication does not require the use of a class II transformer. It maystill be desired to use a class II transformer in order to allow amanufacturer to provide an option to communicate via low voltage wiresconnected between the central control module 3 and the remote controlmodule 5. The selection between wired and wireless communication can bemade at the time of manufacture, or the manufacturer can leave thisselection up to the installer. If the selection is made by themanufacturer than separate different central control modules and remotecontrol modules can be made for wired and wireless configurations.

It is to be understood that wireless communication is not required forall of the functions described herein. In fact, for many functions it isnot necessary to have communication between the user 11 and the centralvacuum source 205, except to turn the motor 9 on and off. The otherfunctions can operate without user intervention; however, this is notthe preferred embodiment.

By using a current sensing resistor or transformer as the current sensor98 to sense an overcurrent condition, a microprocessor can be used asthe operating condition subcontrol 94 to turn off a triac in a powerstage, or activate a relay in a power stage, to control current to themotor 9 to shutdown the motor 9. This protects the motor 9. In somecases, a triac can fail in such a way that current would not be shut offto the motor 9. It may be preferable to include a redundant overcurrentprotection device for otherwise catastrophic failure, such as a trace ona printed circuit board for the central control module 3 of a size toact as a fuse on the load (motor 9) side, opening in the event of asustained overcurrent condition and preventing current from flowing tothe motor 9. Other redundant overcurrent protection devices could beused.

Referring to FIG. 14, the various submodules of the central controlmodule 3 can be combined. In combining the submodules, the varioussubcontrols can also be combined into a single central controlsubcontrol 160 which can utilize a single microprocessor,microcontroller or combination of discrete components, to perform thefunctions described herein for each of the submodules. The memory 102can be part of the microprocessor or microcontroller, or it may itselfbe a discrete component. Preferably, the central control subcontrol is amicroprocessor with integrated memory 102. The entire timer submodulemay be part of the microprocessor, or it may be a combination of themicroprocessor and a few discrete components to set the proper timingfor the timer. Alternatively, the timer may comprise components discretefrom the microprocessor.

The various subcontrols, microprocessor and microcontroller areprogrammed to perform the functions described herein. The programs arecontained in a non-volatile memory, such as memory 102, or an internalmemory within the subcontrol, microprocessor or microcontroller.

Referring to FIG. 15, a central vacuum cleaning system (indicatedgenerally at 201) incorporates a control subsystem 1 in the form ofcentral control module 3 and remote control module 5 as will be furtherdescribed. The system 201 is installed in a building 203. The building203 is shown as a residence; however, the system 201 could be installedin other buildings, such as commercial or industrial buildings.

The system 201 has a vacuum source 205 in a central location. The source205 is connected through pipes 207 or other conduits in walls, floors orceilings of the building 203. Alternatively, the pipes 207 may beexposed. The pipes 207 terminate at valves 209 to which a flexible hose211 may be connected. The hose 211 terminates in a handle 213 that isheld by an operator 215. Various cleaning attachments, such as a carpetbrush 216, are connected to the handle 213.

Control signals, such as ON/OFF, from the operator 11 are providedthrough a switch 218 (or switches 218 or some other interface 13 in thehandle 213. More sophisticated systems 201 may utilize the controlsignals for many other purposes, such as duplex communications thatallow the receipt of information at the handle 213. Such informationcould be used to drive LEDs or other display means 219 (as describedpreviously for the interface 13) for communication with the operator 11.When the operator 11 turns on the system 201, dirt is drawn by a vacuumcreated by the vacuum source 205 through the attachment 216, handle 213,hose 211, and pipes 207.

Referring to FIG. 16, the vacuum source 205 has a motor 9 (FIG. 1)within a motor housing 221. Extending from the motor housing 221 is,typically, a receptacle 223 for receiving the dirt. Also within themotor housing 221 is a motor control circuit 225 embodying centralcontrol module 3 of FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment, the motorhousing 221 also acts as a motor control housing 221. Accordingly, themotor housing 221 will be referred to as a motor control housing herein,unless the context requires otherwise. It is to be understood that themotor housing and motor control housing could be separate from oneanother.

Preferably, the central control module 3 (including its transceiver 74)is placed within the motor control housing 221. Alternatively, thecentral control module 3 could be distributed with the transreceiver 74portion outside the motor housing 221 to avoid interference and signalattenuation.

The motor control circuit 225 is typically laid out on a printed circuitboard 233, including all of the components to implement the functions ofthe central control module 3. Multiple printed circuit boards orseparately mounted components may be used as desired.

The motor control circuit 225 can be mounted in many different ways, forexample on mounting screws or posts, not shown, inside or outside themotor control housing. It may be preferable to mount the motor controlcircuit 225 in the cooling air inlet passage or outtake (exhaust) of themotor 9 to provide cooling for the circuit 225. Any power stage of thecircuit 225, in particular, may benefit from such cooling.

Although the preferred embodiment is being described with reference to amotor control circuit 225 for mounting inside a motor housing 221, asmentioned previously, the circuit 225 need not be mounted inside themotor housing 221. For example, the circuit 225 could be mounted withina control box, not shown, outside the housing 221 with wires fed backinto the housing 221 for operation of the motor 9. This might be donefor additional isolation of the control circuit 225 from the motor 9.For example, it might be helpful to avoid electromagnetic interferencefrom the motor 9. The control box would be an alternate form of motorcontrol housing 221. As mentioned previously, for this reason, the motorhousing 221 is being referred to as a motor control housing 221 in thisdescription, unless the context requires otherwise.

In the preferred embodiment, the central control module 3 also has meansfor communication with the operator 11. In the preferred embodiment,display means 75 takes the form of an LED, not shown, within atranslucent mounting post 227. The motor control circuit 225 hasoptional wired and wireless communication paths. Accordingly, thepointing post accepts connections from low voltage wires as described inthe U.S. patent application referenced in the Cross-Reference to RelatedApplications section hereof. As an alternative display example, the LEDcould extend through the housing 221 for direct viewing.

LEDs are a preferred choice as LEDs are long lasting, small,inexpensive, and low power devices. Higher power LEDs, LEDs of differentcolours, multicolour LEDs, and LEDs of different shapes and sizes mayall be used. Standard LED packages such as a T-1 or T-1¾ can be used.These tend to be the least expensive. This allows for LEDs of more than3000 mcd, for example 3200 mcd and 4500 mcd in green. These are examplesonly and many other sizes and configurations can be used. For example, amulti-colour LED could be used to provide many possible signallingcombinations, such as a red/yellow LED that can provide red solid, redflashing, yellow solid, yellow flashing, orange solid, and orangeflashing. Also, single colour LEDs can be chosen from a wide variety ofcolours, including green, yellow, red, white and blue, among others.

The messages provided to the user 11 by the LEDs might include, forexample, 1) informing the user that electrical power is present and thesystem 1 has no apparent problems (LED GREEN), 2) air flow isobstructed, check for obstructions, including in the pipes 207, in theflexible hose 211 or the filter medium, or the dust receptacle 223 isfull and should be emptied (LED YELLOW), 3) a sensor indicates thatservice to the system 201 is needed, for example, an overcurrentcondition shutdown that may indicate a problem such as bearing failure(LED flashes RED), and 4 a certain amount of time has passed indicatingthat service to the system 201 is needed, for example: service to themotor is required, i.e. change the brushes (LED flashes YELLOW). Theseare samples of the types of messages that might be conveyed to the user.Many other messages could be conveyed as desired by designers of motorcontrol circuit 225 using other colours or flashing patterns.

Referring to FIG. 17, in a manner similar to that described for thecentral control module 3, the remote control module 5 is mounted in ahandle, for example handle 29, typically on a printed circuit board 240.It is to be noted that other handles, such as for example handles 20,213 could be used. The printed circuit board 240 and other components ofthe central control module 3 could be fully encapsulated with simply acouple of wires 242 extending for connection to a power source 244.Messages are provided to the user 11 in the manner described previouslyherein. The messages provided to the user 11 include, for example, thosepreviously described for the central control module 3.

The remote control module 5 is preferably battery 244 powered; however,it may also be powered from line voltage where it is available, using adrop down resistor and capacitor. Many vacuum hoses 217 have linevoltage as it is used to power hose attachments 216, such as a powercarpet brush. The battery 244 could be a rechargeable battery 244.Batteries 244 provide energy for limited durations. This duration for arechargeable battery 244 is typically far shorter than that for anon-rechargeable battery 244. In order to avoid having to frequentlychange the battery 244, the battery 244 could be a rechargeable battery244 that is recharged by using a generator 246 powered from vacuum air(arrows 247) flowing through the handle 29 to produce electrical energy.The generator could be powered by an impeller 249 that extends intovacuum air path 248. The impeller 249 would turn, causing the generator246 to produce current for recharging the battery 244. The generator 246would typically produce alternating current that would require an AC/DCconverter and/or other battery charging circuitry 250 for charging thebattery 244. The voltage may need to be stepped-up in order to providesufficient voltage for charging the battery 244. Many designs for suchconverters, including step-up converters, are readily available andcould be used for this purpose.

To avoid damage to the impeller 249 from passing dust particles, aseparate impeller air path 252 can be provided for the impeller 249. Theimpeller air path 252 extends from the vacuum air path 248 through thehandle 29 to allow ambient air 254 to be drawn in through the impellerair path 252 to the vacuum air path 248. The motion of the ambient air254 flowing through impeller air path 252 causes the impeller 249 toturn. The motion of the impeller 249 then powers the generator 246. Asan example, the impeller air path 252 could be a one-quarter inch hole.It is desirable to have a wide input power range, for example, 90-260volts AC for worldwide use. The use of a 16 Amp 400 Volt triac in thecentral control module 3 will work with most commercially availablemotors used in residential central vacuum cleaning applicationsworldwide. If a relay is used to control the motor 9 then a differentrelay will likely be required for different voltages, amperages andregulatory requirements. The drop down circuits for powering the centralcontrol module 3 are preferably adapted to utilize this wide range ofvoltages as well using well known power conversion techniques. Asdescribed previously, for universal use with motors 9 having different,and perhaps unknown specifications, the central control module 3 cansense normal operating conditions and store them in memory. This processcan be thought of as a learn mode for the control subsystem 1. Duringinitial operation of the central control module 3, the module can sensethe operating conditions of the motor 9. These can be stored in nonvolatile memory 102 for the microprocessor 160. The stored operatingconditions can then be used for a baseline against which the centralcontrol module 3 can compare when in use. In addition to motor 9 normaloperating current, the stored conditions may include, for example, suchconditions as vacuum pressure and ambient temperature. Ambienttemperature varies from building to building, and this may affect whatis considered to be “overtemperature”. Vacuum pressure may be sensed inmany different ways, for example, surface mount pressure sensors arebecoming widely available.

Referring to FIG. 18, low voltage electrical components, such as centralcontrol module 3, could be similarly powered by a rechargeable battery260 charged from a generator 262 having an impeller 264 placed in anexhaust air path 266 in central vacuum canister 268. The impeller 264turns with the motion of air 270 flowing through the central cleaningsystem, for example, in the canister 268 from an inlet 272 to an outlet274 over bag 275. Air flow is generated by suction motor 276. It isdesirable, although not necessary, to place the impeller in the exhaustair path 266 as the air is typically filtered of dust particles 277 by afilter 278 after dust separator 280 and prior to motor 276. The filterreduces wear on the motor 276. Similarly, it reduces wear on theimpeller 264.

Referring to FIG. 19, for flexibility, for example in retrofitapplications or as optional features, the central control module 3 andancillary components, including battery 260 and generator 262, could beplaced outside the canister 268. The impeller 264 could form part of apipe insert 282 inserted after outlet 274 in the exhaust air piping 284.The insert 282 allows exhaust air to flow through, while placing theimpeller 264 in the exhaust air path 270.

Optionally, the central control module 3 could connect to existing lowvoltage connectors 286 on the canister 286 to provide signals to anexisting control unit 288 controlling the motor 276. Controlling motor276 through an existing control unit 288 may limit available featuresand functions of the central control unit 3. Advantageously, forretrofit applications, the central control unit 3 would not requireaccess to line voltage; however, the central control unit may not haveaccess to the input current of the motor 276, preventing use of featuresrelated thereto.

Low voltage units that do not connect to line voltage would not requirecertification in most jurisdictions, or such requirements would be lessstrict.

It is to be noted that the use of a generator powered by air flowingthrough a cleaning system is not limited to central vacuum cleaningsystems. For example, portable upright or canister vacuum cleaners maybenefit from a generator powered by air flow for driving electricaldevices within the cleaner. This may include a remote control module andcentral control module, such as those described herein that communicatebetween a handle and motor of the cleaner.

Referring to FIG. 20, a remote station 280 having a display 282, such asan LCD screen with or without touch screen functions, could be placewithin a building 290 to receive status information for the cleaningsystem 201. The remote station 280 could be mounted to a wall orelsewhere within the building 290, or it could be portable. The remotestation 280 could communicate wirelessly with the motor control 3 in thesame manner as the remote control module 5 in the handle 213. The remotestation 280 may allow for two-way communication and, in this way, theremote station 280 can duplicate, replace or augment some or all of thefunctions of the remote control module 5. The screen of the remotestation 280 could be larger than that of the remote control module 5.

The remote station 280 could also access other automated functions inthe building 290. In this way, the need for multiple remote controlscreens in a building 290 could be reduced. Communication between theremote station 280 and the central control module 3 can be through anintermediary transceiver, such as an x10 control module adapted towirelessly receive signals from and transmit signals to the centralcontrol module 3 and to correspondingly transmit signals to the remotestation 280 and receive signals from the remote station 280.

The transmission to and reception from the remote station 280 by theintermediary transceiver may be wireless or wired. For example, powerline communication could be used, or network cabling. The remote station280 could be a personal or other computer, or a dedicated device, suchas an x10 compatible control panel.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this descriptionis made with reference to the preferred embodiment and that it ispossible to make other embodiments employing the principles of theinvention which fall within its spirit and scope as defined by thefollowing claims.

1. A central vacuum cleaning system comprising: a vacuum sourceincluding a motor within a motor housing, a receptacle extending fromthe motor housing for receiving dirt, a motor control circuitcontrolling power to the motor, valves to which a flexible hose may beconnected, conduits connected to the vacuum source and terminating inthe valves, a handle to be held by an operator, the hose terminating atthe handle, a cleaning attachment connected to the handle, such thatdirt is drawn by a vacuum created by the vacuum source through theattachment, handle, hose, and conduits, display means at a locationremote from the vacuum source, input means, and duplex communicationmeans to provide control signals from the input means to the motorcontrol circuit and to receive at the remote location from the motorcontrol circuit a plurality of messages regarding the status of thesystem, such information to drive the display means for communicationwith an operator.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the duplexcommunications means comprises low voltage wires between the displaymeans and the motor control circuit.
 3. The system of claim 1 whereinthe duplex communications means comprises low voltage wires between theinput means and the motor control circuit.
 4. The system of claim 1wherein the duplex communications means comprises a RF wireless receiverat the remote location and a RF wireless transmitter through which themotor control circuit transmits the messages.
 5. The system of claim 1wherein the duplex communications means comprises a RF wirelesstransmitter through which the input means transmits control signals anda RF wireless receiver through which the motor control circuit receivesthe control signals.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the input meansand the display means are located on the handle, and the duplexcommunications means comprises an RF wireless receiver and RF wirelesstransmitter in the handle, and a RF wireless transmitter and RF wirelessreceiver through which the motor control circuit transmits the messages.7. A central vacuum cleaning system comprising: a vacuum sourceincluding a motor within a motor housing, a receptacle extending fromthe motor housing for receiving dirt, a motor control circuit includinga microprocessor and a triac, and the microprocessor controls the triacto control power to the motor, conduits connected to the vacuum sourceand terminating in the valves, a handle to be held by an operator, thehose terminating at the handle, and a cleaning attachment connected tothe handle, such that dirt is drawn by a vacuum created by the vacuumsource through the attachment, handle, hose, and conduits.
 8. The systemof claim 7 further comprising a current sensor, such that the currentsensor senses current powering the motor and informs the microprocessor.9. The system of claim 7 wherein the triac is driven by a phase-anglegate drive signal from the microprocessor.
 10. The system of claim 7wherein the triac is driven by a pulse width modulation gate drivesignal from the microprocessor.
 11. A central vacuum cleaning systemcomprising: a vacuum source including a motor within a motor housing, areceptacle extending from the motor housing for receiving dirt, a motorcontrol circuit controlling power to the motor, valves to which aflexible hose may be connected, conduits connected to the vacuum sourceand terminating in the valves, a handle to be held by an operator, thehose terminating at the handle, a cleaning attachment connected to thehandle, such that dirt is drawn by a vacuum created by the vacuum sourcethrough the attachment, handle, hose, and conduits, and display means toprovide a plurality of different messages to a user regarding the statusof the system.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the display means isdriven by the motor control circuit to provide messages to a user at thevacuum source.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein the display means islocated on the handle.
 14. The system of claim 11 herein the displaymeans is located at a remote station apart from the vacuum source andthe handle.
 15. The system of claim 11 wherein such display meanscomprises an LCD screen.
 16. The system of claim 11 wherein such displaymeans comprises a multiple colour light source.
 17. The system of claim11 wherein the multiple colour light source comprises multiple singlecolour LED light sources.
 18. The system of claim 11 wherein themultiple colour light source comprises a multi-colour LED.
 19. A hoseassembly comprising a flexible hose having a first end and a second end,said first end having a handle assembly with a nozzle, said second endhaving a connection means removably securing said hose to a vacuumsource, said handle assembly having a means for transmitting a radiofrequency signal to said vacuum source, said radio frequency signalbeing capable of activating the vacuum source so that a vacuum ispresent at an end of said nozzle.
 20. The hose assembly according toclaim 19 wherein said handle assembly signaling said vacuum source todeactivate said vacuum source.
 21. The hose assembly according to claim20 wherein said handle assembly has an antenna and an RF wirelesstransmitter in said handle.